1. Why write it down
A spoken agreement can be valid, but nobody remembers it the same way a year later. Writing it down makes sure everyone knows the rent, the rules and what happens if something goes wrong. Under the Rental Housing Act, a tenant can ask for the lease to be put in writing.
Good to know: This guide is general information, not legal advice. For a long or high-value lease, ask an attorney to read it.
2. The basics every rental agreement needs
- Who: the full names of the landlord or agent and of every tenant.
- What: the address and a description of the property, including parking, storage or a garden.
- When: the start date, the end date or whether it runs month to month.
- Rent: the amount, the due date, how it is paid and into which account.
- Increases: how much and when the rent may go up.
- Deposit: the amount, where it is held, whether it earns interest and when it is paid back.
3. Bills and who pays what
- Electricity: prepaid or billed, and who buys it.
- Water, refuse and sewerage, and whether they are included in the rent.
- Internet and TV, and who sets up and pays for them.
- Levies, security and gardening services.
- Any admin or other fee, written down with the amount.
4. House rules
- Pets, smoking, noise and visitors, including overnight guests.
- Parking and the use of shared areas.
- Changes to the property, such as painting or fixing things to walls.
- Subletting, and whether anyone else may move in.
5. Repairs, access and inspections
- Who fixes what, and how a repair is reported and how fast it is dealt with.
- When and how the landlord may enter, and the notice they give.
- A joint inspection at move-in and again at move-out, with a signed list of any damage and dated photos.
6. Notice and ending the agreement
- How much notice each side must give, and that it is given in writing.
- What happens if the tenant leaves early, or the landlord wants the property back.
- When and how the deposit is refunded, with the interest, and what may be deducted.
7. If you share with roommates
When several people live together, agree these points before you move in. They prevent most arguments.
- Who is on the lease. If everyone signs the same lease, each person can be responsible for the whole rent if one person does not pay. Ask about this before you sign.
- How the rent splits, for example by room size, and who pays the landlord.
- How shared bills are split and paid, and by when.
- Cleaning, shared food and supplies, and quiet hours.
- Guests, partners who stay over and how long they can stay.
- How the deposit is shared and paid back when someone leaves.
- What happens if someone moves out: how much notice, and who finds and approves a replacement.
- How you settle a disagreement, such as a house meeting first and the landlord only if you must.
8. Before you sign
- Read every page and ask about anything you do not understand.
- Check that the names, dates and amounts are correct.
- Make sure everyone who is on the lease signs, and that you each get a signed copy.
- Keep the agreement, the inspection list and your proof of payments together.
This guide is general information to help you, not legal advice. Laws and rules can change, and every situation is different. If you are unsure, ask an attorney or the Rental Housing Tribunal in your province.